Chipotle Rice recipe that's quick and easy to prepare. Made with jasmine rice, seasoned with chicken bouillon, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and chipotle chili pepper for the perfect smoky heat. I typically serve it with Chicken Milanese, Roasted Chicken, or Braised Short Ribs.
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What is Chipotle Rice?
Chipotle Rice is a flavorful side dish made with jasmine rice seasoned with chicken bouillon (or vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian/vegan option), cilantro, fresh lime juice, and ground chipotle chili pepper. The chipotle chili pepper adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the rice, making it perfect to pair with various main dishes such as chicken, beef, or vegetables. The rice is first toasted in oil to add depth of flavor and then cooked with boiling water until all the liquid has been absorbed, resulting in a fluffy and aromatic rice dish.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Jasmine Rice: A fragrant long-grain rice commonly used in Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisine. It has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sticky texture when cooked.
- Chicken Bouillon: A concentrated seasoning that adds flavor to the rice. It is made from dehydrated vegetables, meat, and seasonings and dissolved in water to create a broth. Knorr is a popular brand of bouillon.
- Chipotle Chili Pepper: A dried and smoked jalapeno pepper that adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the rice. It is often used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
- Cilantro: An herb with a bright and fresh flavor that contrasts with smoky and spicy rice. It is also known as coriander in some parts of the world.
- Lime: A citrus fruit that adds acidity and a bright flavor to the rice. The zest and juice of lime are used in this recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Butter, or Canola Oil: A cooking fat used to toast the rice and add flavor to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil and butter add richness, while canola oil has a neutral flavor.
- Boiling Water: Used to cook the rice and create a broth with the bouillon and spices. The ratio of water to rice is important for the texture and flavor of the finished dish.
Tools you'll need
- Measuring spoons
- Chef's knife
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Large liquid
- measuring cup
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Large heatproof bowl
How to Make Chipotle Rice
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Heat the oil in a medium nonstick saucepan. Add the rice, chicken bouillon, and chipotle chili, and constantly stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until all the rice is coated in the oil and smells toasted. Pour in the boiling water and cover tightly since it will boil vigorously. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 7 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the chipotle rice rest, covered, for another 3 minutes (Do not uncover!) Then, uncover, sprinkle the chopped cilantro and zest, squeeze the fresh lime juice over it, and fluff it up with a fork to combine. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Jasmine Rice: You can use white or brown rice instead of jasmine rice. The cooking time and liquid ratio may vary depending on the type of rice you use.
- Chicken Bouillon: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the recipe, you can use a vegetable bouillon instead of a chicken bouillon.
- Chipotle Chili Pepper: If you can't find chipotle chili pepper, you can use other dried chili peppers or chili powder to add heat and smokiness to the rice.
- Cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley, basil, or another fresh herb of your choice.
- Lime: You can substitute the lime with lemon, orange, or another citrus fruit if you don't have lime on hand.
- Oil or Butter: You can use any cooking oil or butter that you prefer or have on hand. Coconut oil or ghee can add a unique flavor to the rice.
Variations
- Spicy Chipotle Rice: If you like your rice extra spicy, add more chipotle chili pepper or other types of chili powder, such as cayenne or paprika.
- Mexican-inspired Chipotle Rice: To make Chipotle Rice more Mexican-inspired, add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, or red bell peppers to the recipe. You can also serve it with salsa or guacamole.
- Whole Grain Chipotle Rice: You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
- Cheesy Chipotle Rice: If you want to add some cheese to the Chipotle Rice, stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the rice after it's cooked and let it melt.
- Chipotle Rice Salad: You can turn the Chipotle Rice into a salad by adding diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and grilled chicken or shrimp. Toss everything together with a lime vinaigrette dressing and serve chilled.
How to Serve
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Serve the Chipotle Rice alongside grilled or roasted chicken for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- Braised Short Ribs: The smoky and spicy flavors of the rice pair well with rich and tender short ribs.
- Tacos or Fajitas: Use Chipotle Rice as a filling for tacos or fajitas, grilled vegetables and your choice of protein.
- Burrito Bowl: Create a burrito bowl by layering the Chipotle Rice with black beans, grilled chicken or steak, avocado, and salsa.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the Chipotle Rice as a filling for stuffed peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the rice is heated.
How to Store & Re-heat
To store: Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make sure the rice is cooled completely before storing it in the fridge. You can reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.
To reheat: In the microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent the rice from drying out, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel, and heat it for 20-30 seconds. Fluff the rice with a fork and repeat until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, place the rice in a nonstick pan with 1-2 tablespoons of water and heat over low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to the container. When you're ready to serve, reheat the rice in the microwave or stovetop using the instructions above. If the rice appears dry after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to moisten it.
How to Freeze
To freeze Chipotle Rice, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use the rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon or two of water, and cover it with a damp paper towel.
Heat the rice in the microwave for 30- to 1-minute intervals, stirring until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice on the stovetop with water or broth until heated. When reheating the rice, you may need to add additional liquid to prevent the rice from drying out. Add some water or broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips for Making The Best Chipotle Rice
- Toast the rice: Toasting the rice in oil before cooking helps to bring out its natural nutty flavor and creates a better texture.
- Taste the liquid: When adding it to the rice, taste the mixture to ensure it is properly seasoned. The liquid should taste slightly salty if it doesn't, add more chicken bouillon or salt.
- Don't lift the lid: Once the rice is cooked, let it rest covered for a few minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it can cause the steam to escape and make the rice dry out.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the rice before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or chipotle chili pepper if desired.
- Use fresh ingredients: Lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor. You can substitute dried cilantro and bottled lime juice if you don't have fresh ingredients.
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooking the rice can cause it to become mushy. Follow the recipe's cooking time and liquid ratio for the best results.
- Add more spice: If you like your rice extra spicy, add more chipotle chili pepper or other types of chili powder, such as cayenne or paprika.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
You can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Remember that brown rice takes longer and requires more liquid, so adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make this recipe vegan using a vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.
How long will leftover rice be kept in the refrigerator?
Leftover rice will be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I add other vegetables to the rice?
Add diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, or red bell peppers to the rice for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use other types of chili powder instead of chipotle chili pepper?
You can use other types of chili powder, such as cayenne, paprika, or chili flakes, to add heat and smokiness to the rice.
Can I make this recipe without oil?
You can omit the oil or substitute it with a cooking spray to reduce the fat content.
Related Recipes
Recipe
Easy Chipotle Rice
Tools
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil butter or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon or 2 teaspoons kosher salt , to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground chipotle chili pepper , to taste
- 3 cups Jasmine Rice (no rinsing)
- 5 cups boiling water
- 1 small bunch of cilantro leaves , chopped
- Juice and zest from 1 large lime
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium nonstick saucepan. Add the rice and chicken bouillon and chipotle chili, and constantly stir for about 1 to 2 minutes until all the rice is coated in the oil and smells toasted.
- Pour in the boiling water and cover tightly right away since it will boil vigorously. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 7 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the chipotle rice rest, covered, for another 3 minutes (Do not uncover!) Then, uncover, sprinkle the chopped cilantro, zest and squeeze the fresh lime juice over it and fluff it up with a fork to combine. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.